PIERRE, S.D. -South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers issued 126 citations and 117 warnings during last Friday's Operation Safe mobilization along U.S. Highway 83 in an effort to make South Dakota's highways safer.

"We are very satisfied with the results during last week's Operation Safe, as this is a very large stretch of highway, and there were only two crashes," said Col. Dan Mosteller, Highway Patrol superintendent. "However, the number of citations and warnings does indicate that we still have a problem and need to get the message out that speeding is one of the leading causes of crashes."

The South Dakota Highway Patrol issued one citation for speeding more than 90 mph; 75 citations and 60 warnings for speeding 70-90 mph; one Move Over Law violation warning; 31 seat belt violation citations and 8 warnings; seven driver license violation citations and two warnings; 14 insurance violation warnings; five registration violation warnings; four light violation warnings; nine license plate citations and nine warnings; and one petty theft arrest. The patrol also reported three motorist assists and two accidents, one involving a deer.

"We hoped to raise awareness across our state on U.S. 83 during Operation Safe," said Capt. Jeffrey Talbot. "We still have a long term goal of reducing the total numbers of injuries and fatal crashes across this stretch of highway, thereby making the roads safer for the public."

During the 12-hour Operation Safe mobilization, 14 troopers increased their visibility, education, median involvement and enforcement activity. Special emphasis was placed on speed and moving violations, which contribute to crashes, serious injuries and death from traffic crashes. Squads involved included: Chamberlain Squad, Interstate 90, Vivian to Ft. Pierre; Kadoka Squad, I-90, Murdo to Nebraska line; and Pierre Squad, Pierre to North Dakota line. One motor carrier enforcement officer, one member of the Rosebud Safety Patrol and members of the Mellette and Todd County Sheriff's Office also assisted with the mission.

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